A Packers fan holds up a sign in the second quarter of the NFC wild-card playoff game against the Vikings. / Andrew Weber, USA TODAY Sports

by USA TODAY Sports staff and wire reports, USA TODAY

by USA TODAY Sports staff and wire reports, USA TODAY

The Green Bay Packers are urging fans to stand behind a cheerleader who was targeted on a Chicago Bears Facebook fan page.

As a University of Wisconsin-Green Bay student, Kaitlyn Collins has previously cheered for the Packers, who use college cheerleaders on game days. Earlier this week a photo of Collins was posted on an unofficial Bears' fan page with a disparaging note. Belittling comments about Collins followed.

"I was a little taken aback," Collins told Fox 11. "I couldn't believe that some of those words were said and the way they were said."

The Packers issued a statement calling the online commentary "extremely offensive," expressed support for Collins and urged others to do the same.

The picture was taken down Thursday afternoon after Collins posted a video on YouTube, calling attention to some of the hateful comments and thanking those who showed support.

"It could have been anybody, but it just so happens that it was me, and I'm the kind of person to not back down and to fight for what I believe in," Collins said.